TOP STORIES OF 2012: Former Okaloosa Commissioner James Campbell faces charges

Friday

Dec 28, 2012 at 12:01 AMDec 28, 2012 at 3:28 PM

At a time when he had planned to enjoy retirement, former Okaloosa County Commissioner James Campbell is preparing for a criminal trial.

KARI C. BARLOW / Daily News

This is No. 4 in our series of the top ten local stories of 2012.

At a time when he had planned to enjoy retirement, former Okaloosa County Commissioner James Campbell is preparing for a criminal trial.

Campbell, 64, was arrested Sept. 17 and charged with four counts of official misconduct and four counts of perjury.

After his arrest, Campbell was removed from office by Gov. Rick Scott and his retirement funds were frozen by the state until the case is resolved.

“It’s made it difficult,” Campbell said. “That’s money I’d put into the system for years.”

He said the past three months have placed a heavy emotional and financial burden on his family.

“It’s put a strain on our family and this is basically ridiculous,” Campbell said.

“It’d be different if I’d stole something. I didn’t steal anything. … It has hurt us financially, big time.”

Campbell has worked as Niceville’s recreation director for 36 years and now holds that position part time.

“Just as soon as this is resolved, I plan to retire,” he said. “I’m ready to move on with my life.”

Campbell, who is represented by attorney Don Dewrell, is scheduled to appear in court Jan. 18. His trial could begin as soon as Feb. 4.

Although he hopes the charges will be dropped before the case heads to trial, Campbell is eager to defend himself.

The perjury and official misconduct charges stem from a four-month investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Authorities say Campbell used his position as a county commissioner to solicit sponsorship donations for the Boggy Bayou Mullet Festival. Two of the donations were solicited from county-run enterprises — Northwest Florida Regional Airport and the tourist development department.

Campbell also is accused of failing to report thousands of dollars he made in commissions on securing the sponsorships for the festival committee.

Under state law, county commissioners are among dozens of elected officials who must report any source of income that exceeds $1,000 to the Florida Commission on Ethics.

But Campbell says any violation on his part was unintentional and that the charges against him are politically motivated.

“They had to find something, and they found me,” he said. “I told the truth. … I wasn’t trying to hide anything.”

The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office uncovered evidence against Campbell while it was investigating the misuse of public funds by former tourism head Mark Bellinger. The Sheriff’s Office contacted the FDLE, which then took over the investigation of Campbell.

In a July interview with FDLE investigators, Campbell said his wife filled out his financial disclosure forms each year and he simply signed them. He said he had not disclosed the festival commissions because that was money he would use for personal hunting expenses.

“My wife feels terrible,” he said.

He added that he tried to correct the error after it was brought to his attention.

Campbell, who spent almost a full two terms as a county commissioner, said he misses the job. He said it was unfortunate that “a few bad incidents” had marred his last year in office.